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North Denver resident Arlan Preblud was an attorney in solo practice back in 2009. Preblud and his wife struck up conversations with restaurateurs and caterers about what happened to extra food guests didn’t eat. After learning most of it ended up in a landfill and seeing the impact the recession had on the community, he decided to change focus and find a way to help those in need. He started off by folding down the seats of his Volvo station wagon, tossing down a tarp in case things spilled. He went to caterers and picked up food that was never served (caterers often make extra to ensure they don’t run out). Seeing his passion, his family encouraged him to turn his part time volunteerism into full time philanthropy.
Fast forward 12 years and Preblud is now the Executive Director of We Don’t Waste, headquartered just above the Denver border. “We’re the largest unaffiliated food recoverer in the state,” explained. With 14 full time human staff and 1 part time furry chief of security, We Don’t Waste now operates a 11,500 square foot facility, 4 refrigerated trucks, and is still growing.
We Don’t Waste focuses mostly on fresh foods that would otherwise…well…go to waste. In addition to surplus from catering, large venues, restaurants, and the like, they have forged relationships with food wholesalers and markets. Once, a local distributor refused to accept delivery of a pallet with 1,400 pounds of organic chicken because one box had been damaged by a forklift. We Don’t Waste picked it up. They estimate they’ve diverted 25 million pounds of food away from landfills and onto people’s dinner plates.
They’re also linked to the ugly food movement, which seeks to educate people that food doesn’t have to be perfectly shaped to be delicious and healthy. Many stores reject oddly shaped produce because it doesn’t sell as well. Customers, in turn, came to expect all produce to look identical and the cycle continued. Preblud explains that “produce that’s not artistically perfect” too often ends up in landfills. Bell peppers are one of the most common he said: yellow peppers with a bit of green, three chamber bell peppers instead of the common four, or just peppers that don’t have a perfectly symmetrical shape can all end up in landfills.
For the past year, they’ve changed their methods to adapt to the pandemic. Not unlike curbside pickup at a grocery store, they started doing a contactless handoff to people’s cars when they started a drive through. Now receiving food from 160 food donors, they directly and indirectly distribute to over 200 agencies, organizations, and food banks in addition to their markets in North and West Denver. They don’t charge for any food they give away and rely on grants, foundations, corporate giving, and, of course, individual donations.
Even as the pandemic begins to subside and more people become economically stable, Preblud believes their organization will continue to grow, though he wishes the need wasn’t there and they could close. “All those jobs will not be available when the pandemic is over…people will still be needing help,” adding that they routinely see people who never expected to be in a position to accept help from others.
Preblud said their organization is successful because of three tenants: reliability, credibility, and visibility. In order to grow, they’re looking for more community support: food donors, financial donors, and volunteers.
More information about donations they can and cannot accept is available on their website. If you are seeking help or want to donate time or funds, visit wedontwaste.org or call 720-443-6113.


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This little pretty is the new JMC Teshun, a van with a Storm Trooper face, looking very dangerous with those mean eyes and a black mouth. It is not some kind of fuzzy wuzzy concept. It is real and has just been launched on the Chinese car market. Price starts at 99.800 yuan and ends at 139.200 yuan.
The Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck will be launched on the Chinese car market in 2018. It will be manufactured locally by Jiangling-Ford, the joint venture that also makes the Everest SUV, which is based on the same platform as the Ranger.
This little pretty is a new mini van by JMC, the Jiangling Motor Corporation. It has a daring front end, looking very much like a Stormtrooper. But is this van just as dangerous..?
The new Ford Tourneo MPV has been launched on the Chinese car market. Price starts at 176.900 yuan and ends at 203.900 yuan. The Tourneo is a slightly dressed up variant of the Euro-Ford Tourneo Custom. The Tourneo comes with some extra shiny in the grille and bumper, and fancy alloy wheels.
Bridges can be Bitches for any vehicle that is a tad too tall. However, ambulance drivers are supposed to know where they can go and which bridge is a no. Are they not..? Not in the great city of Chengdu in Sichuan Province in China, where an ambulance got stuck solid under a bridge on the side road of a local highway.
The brand new Ford Everest SUV has been launched in China, another big and thirsty SUV, just a week after the launch of the giant Ford Edge, for a market that begs and screams for compact and economical. Come product planning! Price for the Everest starts at 269.800 yuan and ends at 369.800 yuan.
The best Spy Shots so far of the brand new Ford Everest SUV for China. The Ford Everest debuted in November last year on the Guangzhou Auto Show and will be launched on the Chinese car market in October. Price will range from around 300.000 to 450.000 yuan ($48.310 – 72.460).
This is the final production version of the brand new Ford Everest SUV for China. The Ford Everest debuted in November last year on the Guangzhou Auto Show. The SUV big seems ready to roll but it will take all the way until October before it hits the Chinese car market, which is much later than previously announced. Price will range from around 300.000 to 450.000 yuan ($48.310 – 72.460).
The new Ford Everest SUV had its public debut on the 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show, after its media-debut last week in Beijing. The Ford Everest is a large body-on-frame SUV developed for Asian markets developed to take on cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Nissan X-Trail.
Photos of the new Ford Everest SUV arriving at the exhibition halls of the 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show, where it will have its public debut on Thursday, after its media-debut last week in Beijing. The Ford Everest is a large body-on-frame SUV for Asian markets developed to take on cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Price will range from around 300.000 to around 450.000 yuan.

domain: news


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GHOSTS 'N GOBLINS  ARTICLES
January 28, 2015 - Unearth three decades worth of digital undead to see how their video game depictions have evolved over time.
March 5, 2014 - IGN editors share their horror stories of hardest game they've ever played. What's yours?
October 13, 2004 - Lavastorm and Capcom's collaborative efforts are starting to reach fruition on handsets. Last week, we downloaded Commando and gave it the weekend once-over, finding that just because something is old, doesn't necessarily make it a "classic." Now, this week, we DL'd the old-school action-platformer Ghosts 'n Goblins which is indeed a classic in every sense of the word. But does this wireless rendition do justice to the venerable series, starring Arthur the valiant knight with keen underwear fashion sense?


text: Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology keeps on being developed and has started to emerge into some devices and/or machines. AI can be embedded in many forms, and one of them is voice recognition technology. This technology that offered a human-like interactive feature has featured such as in iPhone Siri and Amazon Alexa. The rising trend of this technology also showed when Amazon has been granted a new patent regarding its virtual assistant, Alexa, in 2018. According to the patent, the device will automatically infer the user’s voice to determine their emotion in order to generate targeted advertisements. This patent hence posed a risk of harming the user’s autonomy since the user is unable to leave their emotions to go undetected by the device. Therefore, the commodification of emotion could challenge the adequacy of the current legal regimes, in particular, data protection and consumer laws since both have the primary concern to protect the autonomy and dignity of consumers. This research aimed to analyse whether the current European data protection and consumer laws are adequate to mitigate the risks posed by the commodification of emotion to conduct targeted advertising in the voice recognition technology.


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In 2006 and 2007, more than 46 million cellphone batteries and 10 million laptop batteries – all lithium ion – were recalled because of the risk of overheating, short-circuiting and exploding. Additional safety features have been installed since then on lithium ion batteries used in consumer electronics.
As for the electric car industry, lithium ion batteries have two major drawbacks: They are costly, and they do not allow automobiles to go far enough between rechargings. A123, a maker of lithium ion batteries for electric cars, went bankrupt last year because of poor demand and high costs after receiving a $249 million federal grant.
- 2 dead, 1 badly injured in fiery Anaheim crash tied to suspected street racing
- Orange police officer seriously hurt, struck by woman suspected of DUI
- 38-year-old man killed at San Juan Capistrano landfill identified
- 19-year-old woman killed in Seal Beach crash identified
- Buena Park church vandalized with swastikas


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A recent study examined about eating junk food habits among adolescent girls and its effect on their health. The study found that eating a lot of teenage girls filled by samapah food aka junk food makes their lack of intake of essential vitamins, causing various health problems later in life.
Nutritionists find that the daily diet that contains pizza, candy, and sweet drinks (sugar) gives a fairly serious health effects as they age.
One study concluded that nearly half of teenage girls who studied rarely consume fruit, vegetables, and fish, causing their intake of essential nutrients, like iron, magnesium, and selenium, are very low.
Iron, which is widely available in foods like red meat and green vegetables, is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and helps keep the brain healthy. Magnesium can be obtained from shellfish to help maintain strong bones, while selenium is useful for the immune system.
Read the rest of this entry


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The worst may soon be over when it comes to disruptions stemming from the global chip shortage, according to Goldman Sachs.
Andrew Tilton, chief Asia economist at the bank, said the situation could improve in the second half of 2021.
He said there have been “noticeable tightening” of supply chains and shipment delays in North Asian economies such as Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, which are involved in the semiconductor supply chain.
“That will have an impact on downstream sectors. Auto production is one of those,” he told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Monday.
“Our analysts believe we’re probably in the worst period of that right now. That is, we’re seeing the biggest disruption downstream (in) industries like auto right now and that will gradually ease over the back half of the year,” Tilton said.
The world has been grappling with a chip shortage that has hit the production of household electronics, including everything from toasters to washing machines.
It is also expected to cost the global auto industry $110 billion in revenue in 2021, according to consulting firm AlixPartners.
The firm expects the largest impact to car production to hit in the second quarter, before progressively getting better during the second half of the year and


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The public relations industry has historically had a rocky relationship with what are called branded articles and the concept of native advertising. A few years back, I joined the PR chorus, questioning the effectiveness of branded articles. In contrast, what the PR industry has traditionally valued is known as earned media. Earned media refers to […]
Native advertising refers to advertising in the guise of an editorial that is published in a print or online publication.
Study involving 1500 consumers compared articles written by journalists and thought leaders, referred to as thought leadership marketing or earned media, with paid or sponsored content, commonly known as branded articles, native advertising, or just advertising. The study revealed that the greatest percentage of participants viewed the earned media articles the most credible. What’s more, […]
Alturasolutions helps businesses grow by turning words into sales. For more information, click here. As much as I want to see trade publications thrive, it must be said that native advertising (branded articles) have caused the publishing industry a bit of anxiety and some consumers feel they have been tricked. For instance, according to Shannan […]


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(AP) -- Apple announced its newest iPhones, the 7 and 7 plus, which are water and dust resistant.
Analysts say the new iPhones could help Apple recover modestly from a recent dip in sales. But with few expected dramatic changes from previous models, Apple watchers aren't expecting the kind of big spikes in consumer demand that the company saw two years ago, when it introduced larger screens.
Apple sold nearly 92 million iPhones during the first six months of this year, about 15 percent fewer than the same period last year. This year marks the first time that Apple has seen such declines. Industry analysts say it's because last fall's iPhone 6S and 6S Plus didn't contain many new features or improvements.
Investors are hoping for a bigger boost in sales next year. Wall Street analysts say reports from Apple's Asian manufacturers and suppliers indicate the company has decided to wait a year before introducing a major overhaul of the phone in 2017. That will be the iPhone's 10th anniversary.
The company also introduced a new generation of smartwatches that will include GPS tracking and enough water resistance to swim with, part of its effort to boost sales in its newest product line.
Although the first version of the Apple Watch can tap the GPS function on a companion iPhone, that requires carrying another device with you. GPS isn't common in smartwatches, though the upcoming Samsung Gear S3 will also get GPS.
As for swims, the previous Apple Watch model is resistant to splashes, but not extensive use in water.
Apple says one of the engineering challenges has been sealing the speaker port, which needs air to work. The company says it has designed the speaker to eject water after workouts.
Fitbit has one swim-proof model and Garmin has a few, but the capability isn't common.
The watch update was announced 17 months after the first model came out. The "Series 2" watch will also get a faster processor and a brighter display for outdoor use. Apple didn't make any mention of the new model's battery life. The original model ran down its battery quickly.
New styles include a case made of ceramic and a run-centric design made in collaboration with Nike.
The original model is getting a price cut, to $269, and will get a faster processor. Series 2 will start at $369. The updates are coming Sept. 16. Existing watches can get new software on Sept. 13.
The Apple Watch has been the only major new product released since CEO Tim Cook succeeded company founder Steve Jobs as CEO five years ago, and sales of the device so far have been lukewarm. The company hasn't disclosed sales figures for the Internet-connected watch, but research firm IDC estimates that Apple shipped 1.6 million watches in the April-June quarter, less half the 3.6 million a year earlier.
Watch sales are expected to increase this fall as the holiday gift season gets underway. Analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research says consumers are finding the watch is useful for health and fitness tracking, but that other apps have not caught on.
The Apple Watch will get a popular new app later this year tough. Niantic Labs, the maker of the cultural sensation Pokemon Go, announced Tuesday that the game will be released for the watch, building upon the apps that it already has built for the iPhone and devices running on Google's popular Android software.
Apple's stock fell 19 cents to $107.51 in afternoon trading.


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Glimpse inside last week's exclusive #KARLXOLIVIA pre-launch event in Dubai, with none other than @oliviapalermo.
Spoil dad with a bottle of the new Bois de cèdre parfum — a masculine blend of masculine bergamot, cedarwood and sage essence. #KARLLAGERFELD
The perfect blend of sporty, comfortable, chic and cool. KARL's new athleisure collection is now available online and in stores. #KARLLAGERFELD
Spotted in Florence: #KARLLAGERFELD looks on the runway at @carineroitfeld’s incredible fashion show, which she co-hosted with @luisaviaroma.
This week in Florence, street artist @endlessartist completed a three-day live art performance that paid tribute to Karl’s legacy. The unmissable creation was the first of its kind at #pittiuomo. #KARLLAGERFELD
Yesterday in Dubai, #KARLLAGERFELD celebrated the pre-launch of its collaboration with @oliviapalermo. The event kicked off at KARL’s stunning new store in the Dubai Mall, followed by an exclusive launch party. Swipe to see pics.
Visit #KARLLAGERFELD at #PittiUomo this week in Florence. Drop by to experience a live art performance by @endlessartist and enjoy an exclusive first glimpse at the new collections for Spring 2020.
Add some sparkle to your Monday. 💎 #KARLLAGERFELD
The Athleisure collection fuses sporty, technical styles with KARL's sophisticated touch. Shop now, online and in stores. #KARLLAGERFELD
To celebrate the launch of the new Athleisure collection, #KARLLAGERFELD hosted an exclusive yoga class today at its maison in Paris. Scroll for pics 👉🏼
A chic Wednesday look. #KARLLAGERFELD
Two new Parfum Matières are now available. Discover the irresistible scents: Fleur d'orchidée and Bois de cèdre. #KARLLAGERFELD
Celebrating an icon ✨ Select special-edition styles feature a sketch of #KARLLAGERFELD. Now available, online and in stores.
Just in: special-edition styles feature a sketch of #KARLLAGERFELD and one of his iconic quotes. Now available, online and in stores.
Chill mode 🔛 #KARLLAGERFELD
Partly sock, partly shoe, fullly comfortable. Elevate your street style game with chunky sneakers. #karllagerfeld
Seas the day 🌊 Pair a classic shirt-dress with modern accessories. @janatini #KARLLAGERFELD
The Father's Day gift guide is now online. Get inspired by perfect presents for dad. #KARLLAGERFELD
Heading on a weekend getaway? KARL's newest arrivals are easy travel essentials. #KARLLAGERFELD
KARL LAGERFELD announces an exclusive collaboration with @oliviapalermo, who brings her eclectic, feminine lens to styling a new collection. Launching worldwide on June 27. #KarlxOlivia
A pastel crepe dress — complete with a cape overlay — is a sure way to brighten your summer evenings. #KARLLAGERFELD
Join the #TeamKarl community. 🕶 Post your #KARLLAGERFELD style for a chance to be featured. This month's top look comes from @anabelagrcia.
Summer holiday packing begins with #KARLLAGERFELD
This weekend in Moscow: celebrate the opening of the new #KARLLAGERFELD store at the Europeisky Mall. From May 17 to 19, visit the store for exclusive opening events!
Whether it's subtle or a statement, nothing beats a polka dot print. #KARLLAGERFELD
Tuesday inspiration, courtesy of Karl. #KARLLAGERFELD
A new #KARLLAGERFELD store is now open at the Europeisky Mall (third floor). This weekend, visit the store to join the exclusive opening celebrations (May 17 to 19).
Sunday sparkle. 💎 #KARLLAGERFELD
Saturday night special: layered necklaces and shimmering gems. #KARLLAGERFELD
Cuff or Kuff? You decide. #KARLLAGERFELD
That week went by in the blink of an eye. #KARLLAGERFELD
Sea you under the palm trees. #KARLLAGERFELD
All smiles in the softest sweats. #KARLLAGERFELD
Don't be prickly ... summer is around the corner. #KARLLAGERFELD
For your next getaway 🌴 Bright, bold prints are a sure way to make a statement. Discover the exclusive collection, now available only on @zalando. #KARLLAGERFELD
A look that can stop traffic. #KARLLAGERFELD
Red hot accessories alert. 🚨 Do you prefer the bumbag or the tote? #KARLLAGERFELD
Why blend in when you can stand out? #KARLLAGERFELD
Good times and tan lines. The new #KARLLAGERFELD Beachwear collection is now available worldwide.
Just dropped: a capsule collection for tropical days, featuring bold prints, floral appliques and sunny shades. Discover the designs now, exclusively on @zalando. #KARLLAGERFELD
Tropical state of mind. 🌴 @mario.perillo wears the new #KARLLAGERFELD Beachwear collection.
Introducing the sandal-sneaker hybrid: equal parts comfortable, colorful and cool. #KARLLAGERFELD
Killer combo: the tango dress meets strappy sandals. #KARLLAGERFELD
Take a walk on the wild side. #KARLLAGERFELD


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CONTRACTS which automatically renew unless the customer opts out are to be banned by watchdog Ofcom.
Currently telephone and broadband companies which operate “Automatically Renewable Contracts” (ARCs) are able to tie their customers into new minimum contract periods and penalise them for leaving.
But as of December the practice is to be outlawed.
Ofcom Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards, said the contracts helped prevent competition.
He said: “Ofcom’s evidence shows that ARCs raise barriers to effective competition by locking customers into long term deals with little additional benefit.
“Our concern about the effect of ARCs and other ‘lock in’ mechanisms led to our decision to ban them in the communications sector.”
Its estimated that 15% of UK consumers are tied into such contracts, which are offered by companies such as BT and TalkTalk Business.
The sale of new contracts will be banned from December 31, 2011 with existing contracts set to be phased out by the following year.


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Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy is coming to Game Pass next week, Microsoft has announced.
It includes remasters of the first three games in Capcom‘s series, which were Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Justice for All, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations.
Uncover the truth and save the day when Phoenix wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy comes to @Xbox Game Pass September 26!
No objections? We’ll see you in court! pic.twitter.com/8RDzJhwqTC
— Ace Attorney (@aceattorneygame) September 21, 2023
Additionally, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy will be released for Xbox Series X/S in early 2024.
Capcom announced in June that the fourth, fifth and sixth games in the Ace Attorney series were being remastered in HD and released in one set. At the time, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy was confirmed for Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Windows and Steam.
Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney was released on DS in 2007 and is the fourth game in the Ace Attorney series. It replaces its usual protagonist Phoenix Wright – who at this stage in the series has been stripped of his attorney’s badge – with a new up-and-comer called Apollo Justice.
Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies, released on 3DS in 2013, is set a year after the events of the previous game and has players taking control of three separate attorneys – Apollo Justice, Phoenix Wright and Athena Cykes.
Finally, Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice was released on the 3DS in 2016 and has Phoenix Wright travelling to the Kingdom of Khura’in, where defence attorneys aren’t used and the courts instead make judgements using a mystical vision called the “Divination Séance”.


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If size matters, then Delray Beach will soon have bragging rights to the biggest food hall in the state.
When the huge food market opens — just half-a-block south of the buzzy dining/drinking/entertainment enclave Atlantic Avenue — there will be soaring spaces housing more than 25 vendors capable of handling 2,000 visitors a day.
Some of the stress of finding parking for all those potential customers in downtown Delray Beach will be eased somewhat with a 220-car, four-level enclosed parking garage in the new building at 33 SE Third Ave.
“Downtown Delray obviously has a very eclectic food and beverage menu already,” says Jordana Jarjura, president and general counsel for Menin Development, which is developing the food hall. “But if you really dive into it, its missing ... authentic cuisine, whether it’s ethnic Lebanese or Japanese or Chinese. We also will have healthy quick-serve breakfast. We’re looking forward to being a full service, gathering place, food market.”
Most food halls, both here in South Florida and elsewhere, are usually around 10,000 to 15,000 square feet and are built with kiosks in existing structures. The Delray Beach Market is a flagship project for the city and is being built specifically as a national destination market experience, say the investors.
So far, about 25 vendors have agreed to enter Delray Beach Market, including ground-floor anchor restaurants such as:
- Sorella’s, an artisanal handmade pasta house under the auspices of Florida native chef Jimmy Everett, who has helmed restaurants such as Marea in New York City and Al Molo in Hong Kong.
- Bona Bona Ice Cream, an over-the-top ice cream shop known for its Boozy Bar milkshakes.
- Tekka Bar, a hand-roll sushi eatery and eclectic sake bar developed by Las Vegas restaurateurs Takashi Segawa and Oliver Wharton.
- Tiffin Box, a fast-fresh Indian concept spotlighting flavors and recipes from various regions of the subcontinent.
Who is behind the foodie forward venue?
Menin Development broke ground for the food hall in 2017 at a location that had been a vacant apartment building for some time. Menin is also behind the boutique Ray Hotel in Delray Beach’s Pineapple Grove Arts District slated to open in the summer of 2021.
The Delray Beach-based company has signed up Clique Hospitality to curate the food vendors and pop-ups as well as manage the food hall. Clique owns Lionfish and Johnnie Brown’s in Delray Beach as well as several Las Vegas and California restaurants.
Clique has leveraged its international contacts to bring in celebrity chefs for personal appearances and foodie favorite restaurants for pop-ups.
“We’ve been curating vendors for a little more than a year and a half,” says Craig O’Keefe, a managing partner and director of operations for Clique Hospitality. “The entire building is surrounded by glass. You’re going to see these chefs hard at work, throwing pizzas or rolling sushi. Every day will be a show for the people making your food.”
Menin’s Jarjura, a former vice mayor in Delray Beach, adds that Menin and Clique have been reaching out to visual artists — both regional and international — for the Delray Beach Market. “We want this to be an interactive feast for your eye and a feast for your mouth,” she says.
O’Keefe continues, “We have a really, really fantastic art program, so there are many opportunities to experience something new every time you come to the market. We want to be this really positive beacon of energy off of Atlantic Avenue.”
He says they are also working with local high schools and colleges for intern programs. There will also be stage area and a chef’s kitchen for cooking classes and demonstrations. Intern hopefuls and people interested in staging a demonstration should go to DelrayBeachMarket.com for more information. “I would be super happy to have people reach out there,” O’Keefe says.
What will it be like?
- Those demonstrations, cooking/baking classes and chef tutorials will chiefly take place on the mezzanine level with its open kitchen surrounded by lounge areas and a bar. There is also space for private and corporate events.
- The first floor and mezzanine level will have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating areas as well as take-out/pick-up spots.
- A central bar will have a build-your-own Bloody Mary station along with a menu of seasonal cocktails. There will also be a craft beer bar on the ground floor featuring local breweries.
- Throughout the rest of the food hall, the food vendors will be displayed against a backdrop of large interactive murals and sculptures.
Jarjura explains that the the design of the booths was intentionally kept spare. “We really want it to be as little design of the booth as possible, so you can showcase the chef.”
The space is adaptable and takes advantage of al fresco dining with NanaWalls (collapsible folding glass walls), glass garage doors, patio areas (the mezzanine has outdoor seating for 200) and 15-18 foot sidewalk seating on the pedestrian level.
“We have lots of indoor/outdoor seating and touchless everything,” Jarjura says. “We eliminated seven vendors so we could spread out more. We didn’t know if 2021 would bring more distancing or not.”


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Many Bitcoin fans praise the crypto currency as "digital gold". But there are also good reasons to say that Bitcoin has or will achieve gold status.
• Bitcoin is considered a crisis currency by many
• Experts: Bitcoin is not gold-Replacement
• Future open
In crisis countries such as Venezuela, Argentina or even Hong Kong, the existing national currencies are suffering from high inflation and / or are subject to strict capital restrictions. For these reasons people are looking for a safe alternative there. Against this background, Bitcoin enjoys a growing popularity there, because it is not controlled by any central authority. In addition, it is regarded as a store of value to escape a further increase in inflation.
Buying Bitcoin is quite complicated and time-consuming.
Here you can easily buy and sell Bitcoin
This development is supported by crypto fans such as the famous Winklevoss twins Tyler and Cameron, who praise the Bitcoin as the Gold 2.0. In early 2019, the Bitcoin bulls even stated, "We believe Bitcoin is better at being gold than gold."
Bitcoin lacks important gold properties
But there are also many critics who warn that the Bitcoin is not really a safe haven in times of crisis and therefore not a gold substitute.
One of them is Markus Brunnermeier. "The Bitcoin is not really a good store of value because of its strong volatility," quotes the news agency "Bloomberg" the economics professor. In addition, there is no fundamental benefit for Bitcoin, whereas gold is used in industrial production.
However, for Brunnermeier, who teaches at the prestigious Princeton University, Bitcoin may be "a suitable means of payment for certain transactions", such as bypassing capital controls such as those in China.
In addition, the bitcoin is still so young that it simply does not know how the world's most popular cryptocurrency behaves in recessionary times. By contrast, gold has historically "established itself as a back-up, a hedge, and a store of value," said John Griffin, a finance professor at the University of Texas at Austin.
The consumers decide
Even with consumers, the Bitcoin has not yet reached a gold status. According to a survey by ING Groep NV, only 28 percent of respondents believe that Bitcoin is the future of investing. A year earlier, in 2018, there were still 32 percent who were convinced of it.
But that does not mean that Bitcoin has no potential. Rather, his future – also because of his openness to all possible interpretations and possible uses – seems to be completely open.
For example, crypto analyst Sam Doctor told Bitcoin, "Ultimately, it comes down to becoming a store of value if market participants agree that it is a value store." And further: "Until that happens, the question remains unanswered, and I do not think there is an objective criterion or objective time to answer that question definitively, except in retrospect."
Source: Andrew Angelov / Shutterstock.com, Lukasz Stefanski / Shutterstock.com
. (TagsToTranslate) why (t) Bitcoin (t) Gold alternative


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It’s Halo Top’s world; we just live in it.
At least that’s the impression you’d get after either 1) talking to industry experts about the state of the frozen dairy dessert space or 2) actually surveying that space in your local supermarket.
Over the past few years, freezer cases have been filling up with a new class of creamy, dreamy treats that bear all the hallmarks of sinful indulgence while delivering more pluses (think protein and fiber) and fewer minuses (added sugar or “artificial” anything), to boot.
And as far as Thom King, president and CEO of Portland, Ore.-based Icon Foods, is concerned, it’s all thanks to Halo Top.
“I would say that it’s spreading like wildfire,” King said of the clean-indulgence trend that the Los Angeles-based ice cream brand almost singlehandedly spawned. “Every dairy processor that makes desserts has to be looking at this category,” he added.
As they do, they should ask themselves what “clean indulgence” means to today’s frozen dairy fans, and which ingredients help deliver it.
Drive for decadence
Americans have always been of two minds — or more — when balancing their attempts at good-for-you eating with their perpetual hunger for indulgence. But by broadening the definition of “good-for-you,” they’ve made it easier to hold all these concepts in their heads — and in their stomachs — at once.
“Currently, consumers have their own definitions of ‘clean’ and ‘indulgent,’” said Laura Bergan, director of innovation and market development, Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Chicago. “Many prefer products that have shorter ingredient lists, more common ingredients that they recognize and understand, and natural flavors, sweeteners and overall elements.
“Others gravitate to social or sourcing claims such as functional ingredients or organic labeling,” she added. “Premium or indulgent also can be subjective, with some consumers looking to origin chocolates, high cacao content, organics or similar qualities to drive a multisensorial experience.”
And their hunt for products that satisfy these needs increasingly takes them to the frozen dessert aisle, where despite the fact that “taste still tops most other factors, brands can give decadent desserts a health halo — and stay competitive — by incorporating clean ingredients,” said Jamie Wilson, director of business development, marketing, culinary, research & development for Parker Products, Fort Worth, Texas.
The original clean-ingredient treat
Some of the brands that Wilson’s already noticed embracing the “clean indulgence” trend include Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt, Julie’s Organic frozen novelty desserts and, of course, Halo Top.
And when you consider — as Wilson and others do — that ice cream “is one of the original clean-ingredient foods,” their embrace of clean indulgence should come as no surprise.
“Ice cream is made from simple cream, milk, sugar and eggs,” Wilson pointed out. “By incorporating specialty ingredients that are similarly clean, brands can add even more decadence and intrigue to frozen desserts.”
Why go “dirty”?
But until recently, brands more often added some of the very ingredients that consumers now denounce as “unclean” — and for reasons that should also come as no surprise.
“Frozen desserts are among the most complex food systems we’ve created,” explained Brian Surratt, senior dairy applications scientist for Cargill, Wayzata, Minn. “They contain all three phases — solid, liquid and gas — and that makes it extremely challenging to manipulate critical ingredients. To be successful, you need a deep understanding of how each component interacts with the water, fat and air inherent to the system.”
And you need technically proficient functional adjuncts to keep those interactions in check.
“Consumers want a consistent product with a long shelf life,” said Jennifer Chaffin, application technologist, sweet flavors for Sensient Flavors, Hoffman Estates, Ill. “And some of the unfavorable ingredients we use today such as high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives and some stabilizers were industry-changing scientific breakthroughs that allowed us to increase food safety and shelf life. They’ve given us opportunities to innovate.”
They’ve eased production and improved performance, too, added Martin Ruiz, research chef at Parker Products. Industrial ingredients “didn’t require extra process steps, were less expensive and, unlike fruits that are periodically out of season, were always readily available,” he said. “Before the shift to clean labels and natural ingredients became the norm, artificial ingredients dominated the market, and it was simply less complicated and more cost-efficient to use them.”
That explains why the 20th century saw the dawn of untold variety — not just in frozen desserts, but also throughout the food system — at shockingly low prices. But variety and price alone no longer cut it.
“When consumers think ‘unclean,’ they think ‘cheap,’” said Ben George, R&D senior food scientist for Kerry, Beloit, Wis. “There was a time when consumers wanted the cheapest product available. Now times have changed, and people are reading ingredient labels and nutrition information and are generally more conscious of what they’re consuming.”
Back to basics
John Pimpo, sales manager at the Gertrude Hawk Ingredients division of Barry Callebaut U.S.A., Dunmore, Pa., acknowledges that consumers want indulgence when it comes to their desserts.
“However, there is a segment of consumers [who are] very label-conscious and will investigate labels to determine their treat choice,” he said. “It’s up to the food marketer or technologist to design that product to meet this consumer’s needs in taste and label. And in most cases, we can.”
Suppliers have answered the clean-formulating trend with clean ingredients that, almost paradoxically, outperform a number of “unclean” options, Ruiz noted.
“Additionally, consumers are now willing to pay more for clean-label products, which helps support continuous innovation and the feasibility of incorporating these new ingredients into formulations,” he said.
The trick is to find clean inputs that can multitask — keeping ingredient statements brief — and to explain what they’re doing in the mix.
“Consumers continue to seek personal connections to their food,” said Donna Klockeman, senior principal food scientist for TIC Gums, White Marsh, Md. “When food manufacturers take the time to explain why ingredients are used and where the come from, they’re able to build a relationship with the consumer and create a premium eating experience.”
Flavor from the source
Such relationships are becoming more important up and down the supply chain.
“We see this in the many requests we get to use extracts that enable our customers to tell a story of where their ingredients have been sourced, while at the same time checking all the other boxes of clean-label requirements,” Chaffin said.
Extracts’ growing popularity points beyond their mere “natural” positioning to something even more transparent and cleaner, she added.
“While consumers feel better about natural than artificial flavor, they feel best about natural extracts,” Chaffin said.
Better yet, George added, extracts, oils and essences improve a finished dessert’s flavor.
“A lemon oil coming directly from the fruit’s going to taste much more like real lemon than something made from chemicals in a lab,” he said. “Formulating frozen dessert mixes really does come down to a ‘less is more’ approach. Consumers are asking for frozen dessert companies to get back to their roots.”
Just don’t sacrifice indulgence in the process. And Wilson believes there’s no need to.
“Consumers want to treat themselves with decadent desserts, and they shouldn’t have to let concerns about what’s in their food stop them,” she said. “It’s entirely possible to enjoy a butter pecan ice cream with fresh strawberries, toffee bites and shortbread pieces that’s non-GMO, all natural and all delicious.”
Emphasizing the “artisanal” or “craft” qualities of a frozen dessert and its ingredients also lets brands “elevate products to a higher realm — that ‘to which attention has been paid,’” said Thomas Payne, industry specialist for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, San Mateo, Calif. “As such, they lend a kind of inherent virtue that connotes cleanliness, indulgence and premium all at once, and that conveys the sense that whatever the cost, they’re worth it. Even more important, you’re worth it.”
Bergan suggested using non-uniform inclusions for an added hand-crafted effect.
“These unique inclusions imply decadence and lend a premium artisanal look,” she said.
Keep it real
Bergan noted that real chocolate — as opposed to chocolate-flavored compound coatings that incorporate fats other than milkfat and pure cocoa butter — is now getting more airtime in frozen dairy desserts.
“Within frozen desserts and ice cream, real chocolate can be tricky from a production and consumer point of view,” she explained. “After chocolate is frozen in a frozen dessert, it takes considerable time for it to begin to soften to a point at which it can be consumed without jeopardizing the consumer experience.”
Bergan’s seen several brands use pure chocolate as coatings on ice cream bars or as inclusions, ribbons or layers in an ice cream pint.
“The marketing organizations within these companies have a great advantage in calling out ‘real chocolate’ on their labels and playing up both the premium/indulgent feature along with the clean feature,” she said.
They might even play up chocolate’s good-for-you features, as “cocoa and chocolate are being appreciated for more than just their indulgence factor,” said Gretchen Hadden, marketing communications manager for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate North America.
Consumers now view cacao, the source of cocoa and chocolate, as a “superfood,” she said, and dark chocolate, being lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants than milk chocolate, “also has an increasingly authentic place in the indulgent, clean-label space. While cocoa and chocolate will always be appreciated first and foremost for the sensory experience they deliver, they certainly have a role in the clean-indulgence space.”
Payne believes that real blueberries have a role in the clean-indulgence space, too. He said they give frozen dessert formulators an all-in-one tool for delivering natural color, flavor, texture and nutrition.
“Frozen and IQF blueberries can be ground directly into frozen-dessert mixes, imparting a rich blueberry flavor and showing lots of blueberry in the skin,” he said. “Blueberry purée is wonderful in ice cream and sorbet and makes everything from patterns and squiggles to blueberry-pie ice cream and ice cream sandwiches with chunks of blueberries possible. And liquid blueberry coproducts have many applications, including smoothies, frozen desserts, ice creams and yogurts.”
It’ll cost you
If it all sounds too good to be true, it’s not. But formulating for clean indulgence will cost you. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, Payne suggested.
While real blueberry ingredients might cost more, “this can actually add to their allure as premium in frozen dessert formulations,” he said. “After all, research shows that consumers are willing to pay extra for blueberry-containing products—a value-added plus both for product developers and consumers.”
“Our clean sweeteners aren’t cheap,” he said. “Sugar comes from subsidized crops, so it’s hard for us to compete pricewise. The downside is that using our sweetening systems usually drives up the costs of goods sold. But the upside is that consumers are willing to pay a little extra for a product that’s indulgent yet low in added sugars.”
For his part, Pimpo sees clean indulgence as a give and take.
“Frozen dairy desserts can absolutely be clean,” he insisted. “It just requires additional time and effort to source the proper ingredients to meet our customers’ needs. No matter what, indulgence continues to win over time. We strive for indulgence and — when we can — healthy indulgence.”


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Whether you are looking to switch careers or trying to figure out what to study in school it can be a good idea to know what industries are rapidly growing. A rising tide lifts all boats after all, and a booming industry means enhanced job prospects for recent grads as well as experienced hires.
ALSO READ: March Crypto Contest: The Kick Off
Here are the top 10 industries to look out for in 2018.
Cloud computing is out of control, outpacing every other sector of the IT industry. Estimates from the International Data Corporation projected global investment in cloud computing to top $120 billion last year. Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia to a lesser extent, are the big players in this space and estimates are that the total public cloud market will grow to roughly $180 billion in 2018.
Bitcoin really exploded in 2017, along with the rest of the cryptocurrency economy. Exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken struggled under the massive influx of users. As the industry continues to gain popularity you can bet that companies will be hiring. Even big companies like Microsoft are looking to add blockchain specialists to their ranks. Watch this space carefully.
As marijuana becomes legal, you will see business spring up left and right. Washington legalized marijuana in 2014 and generated more than $1.5 billion in sales since then. The legal marijuana industry is responsible for over 120,000 jobs all over the US and nationwide acceptance would make a huge impact – the total market is estimated to be worth $45 billion.
It’s no surprise to see this list dominated by technology industries but one of the fastest growing industries in the US is actually the construction industry. Construction-services companies have grown tremendously in the last year, with many sub-sectors of the construction industry growing at double-digit rates – nearly doubling the overall US-wide average. Engineers and workmen alike, look alive!
Everyone’s got teeth, and apparently they all need work done because the dental services market is booming. As boomers age it makes sense that they would carry this industry in terms of demand.
Home health care services
This is the fastest growing industry in the healthcare sector. Demand for healthcare is increasing and a shortage of physicians means that the focus is being redirected towards health care aides, registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Job prospects for this segment are extremely healthy and are projected to add 750,000 jobs by 2024.
Computer systems design
Here we are, the number one fastest-growing industry, beating all other challengers and growing 18% in 2016. Computer systems design refers to integration of computer hardware and software. Specialists in this field connect their clients with the right tools (sometimes customized) to get the job done.
Food Delivery & E-Commerce
Last year Amazon made waves when they bought grocery giant Whole Foods. This means the grocery and food delivery space are poised for change. Before Amazon absorbed Whole Foods, e-commerce and groceries didn’t really mix well but you can be sure that the Seattle-founded tech giant is going to push the issue. Expect other giants like Walmart and Costco to put up a fight as they all combine to rapidly grow this industry.
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The Trump administration is preparing an executive order that could significantly restrict Chinese state-owned telecom companies from operating in the U.S. over national security concerns, according to people familiar with the matter.
The order, which hasn’t yet been presented to the president, would not mention companies such as Huawei Technologies Co. or ZTE Corp. by name and would not outright ban U.S. sales by the firms. But it would give greater authority to the Commerce Department to review products and purchases by companies connected to adversarial countries, including China, one of the people said.
Huawei is pushing to take a global leadership position in 5G, but many American officials suspect the company’s products could be used by Beijing to spy on Western governments and companies. Both Huawei and ZTE have also been targeted by the U.S. for alleged schemes to dodge American sanctions on Iran.
Huawei executives have denied that the company is controlled by China’s government or that it’s involved in espionage.
Rumors have abounded that the Trump administration would target Chinese telecom companies with an executive order to ban their U.S. sales. Reuters reported in December that Trump would consider an order declaring a national emergency related to the firms.
Some U.S. companies are preparing for a possible executive order by the Trump administration in the next few weeks that could inflict serious harm on Huawei, perhaps making it impossible for the company to operate, according to James Mulvenon, a China specialist formerly for the Rand Corp. who now works for defense-contractor SOS International of Reston, Virginia.
“The maximal version is that they would have a death sentence for Huawei like they threatened to do to ZTE,' the Chinese network-equipment supplier that President Trump spared last year from a threatened cutoff from crucial U.S. parts. “The minimal version is that Huawei will be banned from sales in the U.S.”
An order could be presented to Trump as soon as next month, according to one person familiar with the discussions who asked not to be identified. The order the person outlined would give the Commerce Department discretion to decide which companies and which products to scrutinize.
The preparation of the order comes against the backdrop of Trump’s trade war with Beijing. But national security, not economic concerns, are driving the discussion, the person said.
A spokesman for the White House National Security Council wouldn’t confirm whether an order is in the works.
“The United States is working across government and with our allies and like-minded partners to mitigate risk in the deployment of 5G and other communications infrastructure,” the spokesman, Garrett Marquis, said in a statement. “Communications networks form the backbone of our society and underpin every aspect of modern life. The United States will ensure that our networks are secure and reliable.”
© Copyright 2024 Bloomberg News. All rights reserved.


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First Place, the nation’s first housing project for adults with autism, and CO+HOOTS co-working community are partnering to support diversity in business.
The Uptown Plaza clothing and gift boutique, Local Nomad, takes you on a trip around the world with their collection of globally-sourced goods.
The local entrepreneurs at Peanut Butter Americano are looking to expand their company while remaining connected to their central Phoenix roots.
African American entrepreneurs will pitch their ventures to the public on Friday, Aug. 4 at SEED SPOT’s new Warehouse District location.
The nonprofit, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs with ideas for social change, moved to a newly renovated commercial suite in the Warehouse District.
Phoenix Smart City Hack returns for its third year, kicking off with an Ideathon on July 8. The winner gets $3,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Spain.
The annual Social Media Day conference returns Friday, June 30, and with it brings a full schedule of social media events held at Galvanize and Chase Field.
More than 40 refugee and immigrant-owned businesses will showcase their crafts including food, drinks, accessories and unique talents from around the globe.
Scottsdale-based Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers opens a seventh and long-awaited Uptown location amidst the dining hub near 7th Street and Missouri.
From Feb. 20-24, PHX Startup Week celebrates the local startup ecosystem with events, keynote speakers, networking and more.


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CEOs from some of the world's largest seafood companies will headline the next IntraFish Seafood Investor Forum in the financial heart of London on Sept. 5.
The IntraFish Seafood Investor Forum, now in its seventh year, is the premiere event for leading seafood executives to meet with top investors in the seafood sector and those looking to learn how get in.
The London event will showcase one of the forum's most impressive lineups yet. Among this year's headliners are Young's Seafood CEO Bill Showalter, Leroy Seafood CEO Henning Beltestad, Grieg Seafood CEO Andreas Kvame, Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen, SalMar CEO Trond Williksen, Norway Royal Salmon CEO Charles Hostlund, and Marine Harvest Chairman Ole-Eirik Leroy.
Additional top-level speakers and panelists will be added in the coming weeks, so keep checking back at www.intrafishevents.com.
You can take advantage of our early bird rate by clicking here, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit us here or email firstname.lastname@example.org.
Past forums have featured executives from: Marine Harvest, Cermaq, Thai Union, Ewos, Disney, Sysco, Multiexport, Gorton's, Iglo Group, Red Lobster, Icicle Seafoods, Trident Seafoods, Bakkafrost, Cooke Aquaculture, AquaChile, Austevoll Seafoods, Leroy Seafood Group,Oceana Group, Kampachi Farms, Ocean Choice International, Blumar, High Liner Foods, Clearwater Seafoods, Regal Springs, Nireus and many more.
Investors and financial groups participating on panels have included: Bain Capital, Oaktree Capital Management, Permira, KeyBanc, Antarctica Advisors, DnB, EQT Partners, Paine & Partners, First Securities, EKO Partners/Encourage Capital, AGR Partners, Amerra Capital Management, Fondsfinans, Bank of America, Cuna Del Mar and many others.


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LG gets OK for OLED plant in GuangzhouLG Display said Tuesday it won approval to establish a joint venture to open up an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel plant in China, helping the company speed up changes to its business portfolio.
The company said the Chinese government approved the joint venture’s plan to build an OLED factory in Guangzhou.
The nod came roughly seven months after the Korean government approved the plan amid concerns about technology leaks and lingering diplomatic tensions between Seoul and Beijing.
LG Display will establish a joint venture with Guangzhou Development District based on capital of 2.6 trillion won ($2.3 billion), with LG taking a 70 percent stake. The company said the combined investment is estimated at 5 trillion won.
LG Display said the approval will provide a boost to its large-sized OLED display panel business.
LG is currently building an 8.5-generation OLED production line, which is set to start operations in the second half of 2019.
The company said the Guangzhou production line will focus on large-sized OLED products for TVs. It will begin with a monthly production capacity of 60,000 sheets per month, which will be gradually increased to 90,000 units.
Combined with the current monthly production capacity of 70,000 sheets at the lines located in Paju, north of Seoul, LG Display said its combined production will reach 130,000 sheets in the second half of 2019.
LG Display said the world’s market for OLED panels is expected to reach 4 million units in 2019.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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|Latest || |
|Colocation – an enabler for business growth by eHosting DataFort|
One of the biggest challenges companies face today is increased demand on their data centers.
|Cisco and Intertec event highlights the importance of digitisation |
Cisco and Intertec Systems hosted a joint event to highlight the importance of digitisation.
|WebNMS highlighted its latest IoT platform and solutions at IoTX 2016 |
WebNMS exhibited at the IoTX 2016, a co – located event at the Future Technology Week, Dubai.
For ASSA ABLOY it was a great opportunity to show the combined strengths of our leading product brands and state our global market position to our customers.
– Thomas Schulz, Marketing and Communications Manager


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Apple CEO Tim Cook on Monday pushed out the head of the company's mobile software products group, in a management shake-up that would "encourage even more collaboration between the company's hardware, software and services teams," according to Apple.
Apple announced that Scott Forstall will be leaving Apple next year and will serve as an advisor to CEO Tim Cook in the interim.
Forstall was reportedly responsible for the Apple's mapping software, which displaced the popular Google Maps on the iPhone and the iPad in September. Apple's new mapping software contained errors and drew fierce criticism.
Additionally, Apple head of Retail is ls leaving Apple. John Browett, who was hired as the company's retail chief just months ago after serving as CEO of U.K. electronics retailer Dixon's.
"We are in one of the most prolific periods of innovation and new products in Apple's history," said Tim Cook, Apple's CEO. "The amazing products that we've introduced in September and October, iPhone 5, iOS 6, iPad mini, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, iPod touch, iPod nano and many of our applications, could only have been created at Apple and are the direct result of our relentless focus on tightly integrating world-class hardware, software and services."
Apple said Jony Ive would provide direction for Human Interface (HI) across the company in addition to his role as the leader of Industrial Design.
Eddy Cue will take on the additional responsibility of Siri and Maps, placing all of Apple's online services in one group.
Craig Federighi will lead both iOS and OS X, Apple added.
Apple also established the new "Technology" group. Led by Bob Mansfield, the new group combines all of Apple's wireless teams across the company in one organization. This organization will also include the semiconductor teams, "who have ambitious plans for the future," according to Apple.


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EMC has today rolled-out its largest launch ever with 40 new storage technologies and products aimed directly at undercutting NetApp's footing.
The storage giant has shown its new wares at an event in New York City. Among EMC's announcements, the most notable item is a new family of systems called VNXe. VNXe is aimed at small and mid-sized businesses as well as remote offices. The VNXe system prices will range from below the US$10,000 mark to US$40,000. The VNXe family is basically the heart of EMC's mid-tier storage line-up and takes the company into a niche that it couldn't hit with its Iomega unit, which sells systems in the US$5000 and under segment.
In an interview, Jeremy Burton, chief marketing officer of EMC, said that the company "is attacking a market where it didn't have any presence". Indeed, a move into the mid-market could be all upside for EMC and provide a path into its higher-end systems. Burton likened the VNXe systems to the Mini Cooper in BMW's line-up. For EMC, the VNXe systems represent an entire new market that's affordable.
"We think we can undercut the competition by 10 per cent to 20 per cent and still give channel partners good margins. All with a storage array that can be managed by a generalist," said Burton.
Burton, who seems to have a flair for showmanship, said EMC will feature stunts like having a fifth grader set up a storage array to make its point. The main target for EMC's push is NetApp. "NetApp is strong in the US$10,000 to US$30,000 segment," said EMC.
NetApp, however, just upgraded nearly its entire line-up. EMC and NetApp are the two fastest growing storage providers.
The VNXe (the "e" is for entry) systems include:
The higher-end VNX systems are designed for larger enterprises. Both VNXe and VNX are run by EMC's Unisphere software. VNX combines EMC's Clariion and Celerra systems into one platform. The systems are based on the Intel Xeon 5600.
Of the systems, the VNXe family is the most notable from a strategic perspective. EMC is hitting an untapped market and has to build up a channel network to sell the systems. In addition, EMC's move will into the midmarket may ding Dell, a long-time partner that sells EqualLogic systems.
"Dell has decided that it wants to compete more than [its] partner. We're cognisant of the fact that customers don't want to be caught in the middle of vendors, but clearly we are a lot more competitive with Dell than we used to be. We have a good understanding though to keep customers happy," said Burton.
In a nutshell, EMC is targeting NetApp, but isn't going to sweat any collateral damage to Dell, HP and IBM. EMC is basically doubling down on storage in a move to pressure IT vendors trying to sell a full stack.
What remains to be seen for EMC is how it builds its partner network. EMC's ability to build a channel to target smaller companies is probably the biggest risk to its VNXe effort.
Mid-market customers are generally sceptical when large vendors move downstream. Burton is confident EMC can navigate the new landscape. "A lot of vendors cut down an enterprise product and put a new badge on it," said Burton. "VNXe is new." Burton acknowledges the challenge with tackling the mid-market, but notes that EMC has spent three years developing its VNXe systems and has refined channel training and teamed up with distributors like Ingram Micro and Tech Data.
Among other key items in EMC's launch:
Via ZDNet US


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Simplify VAT refund to boost foreign tourists' spending: expert
Nhận đường liên kết
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Foreign tourists at Ben Thanh Market in downtown HCMC, March 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Tam Linh
Vietnam should simplify procedures for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese to get value-added tax (VAT) refunds so that they increase their spending, an expert says.
Nguyen Thi Cuc, head of Vietnam Tax Consultant Association, said at a tourism conference Friday that the average per capita expenditure of foreigners visiting Vietnam remained low and the government should take appropriate measures to boost their spending.
The average spending of international tourists in Vietnam in 2018 was $1,065, according to the Vietnam Tourism Report prepared by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Cuc said one of the most effective measures is to help foreign tourists easily receive VAT refunds when they leave the country.
Foreign tourists and overseas Vietnamese currently receive VAT refunds on purchases made in Vietnam under a circular that took effect in 2014.
They are entitled to obtain a refund of 85 percent of VAT on eligible goods bought from eligible shops during their travel in Vietnam. The remaining 15 percent will be counted as service fees.
The refund can be collected at airports and ports before tourists leave the country. They will have to shop at designated stores that sell VAT refundable goods. After purchasing goods, the store staff will issue invoices and a VAT refund declaration form.
At airports or ports, visitors must submit invoices along with their VAT declaration form to the refund customs inspection office for checking and stamping before taking them to the payment counter to get their refund.
Cuc said such requirements were inconvenient for foreign tourists. In some cases, because they were afraid of not being able to get to the aircraft on time, they have not bothered about the scheme, so this has affected their spending in Vietnam, she added.
She proposed that tourists be able to get their VAT refunds right where they shop like in many other countries including Japan.
After purchasing goods, visitors should be able to take their invoices to the tax refund counter inside the shopping centers and supermarkets.
After checking the purchased goods and immigration documents, the tax refund counter can pay visitors in cash or to their credit cards. They can stamp relevant documents for custom officials to check when tourists leave the country.
The proposal to simplify VAT refund procedures is the latest measure proposed to boost tourism revenues. Other experts have proposed that the government considers granting visa exemptions to more countries with longer stays.
The government resumed its unilateral visa exemption policy for citizens from 13 countries as Vietnam reopened inbound tourism a fortnight ago after nearly two years.
Citizens from Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K. are allowed to visit Vietnam for up to 15 days without a visa regardless of passport type and entry purpose.
The country also has bilateral visa exemption policy for ASEAN co-members, Chile and Kyrgyzstan.


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The troubled Sabaté Diosos group posted mixed results for its latest fourth quarter. Losses in the corking division were cut back but the barrel division continued to struggle.
In the last quarter to December 2002, the France-based wine packaging specialist achieved a turnover of €48.8 million. The figure was buoyed by a strong resistance in the cork division, despite difficult conditions in the wine market.
The division registered a drop in activity of 7.3 per cent, which compared favourably to a loss of 15.8 per cent for the previous quarter. However, the company said that a noticeable decline in the barrel division activity, was, according to a company statement, "due to an overall deterioration in the economic environment and difficulties in the wine market, accentuated by adverse weather conditions in Europe".
The last quarter results means that the company ends the year with a total turnover of €201.7 million, which it says is within the forecasted sales bracket announced in July 2002.
The group added that the net result for the year has been strongly influenced by the extraordinary items related to both the plan to restore profitability in the cork division, and the closing down of the floor division. The 2002 results also reflect a significant drop in debt due to cost cutting measures initiated in the first quarter.
In 2003 the group predicts that its efforts to reduce costs and the focusing of its activities will have a significant and positive impact on results. The next stage of its restructuring will concern commercial projects including the extension of the Altec range, a new distribution subsidiary for Sabaté in Italy and the motivation of sales forces.


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UPDATE: The Daily Mirror has taken down its article suggesting that Isla Vista killer Elliot Rodger’s consumption of creatine as a sports nutrition supplement may have contributed to his actions following a swift response by the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA). ESSNA’s defence of the substance highlighted its safety record and explained the lack of evidence of any negative side effects to support the claims made in the article, which had cited a ‘close friend’ of the killer as its source.
A leading British newspaper talks sensationalist tosh about Isla Vista killer, Elliot Rodger’s, consumption of creatine as a sport nutrition supplement, says leading food law expert.
The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) has responded swiftly to an article on the website of UK newspaper the Daily Mirror, which suggests that Isla Vista, California, killer Elliot Rodger’s consumption of creatine as a sports supplement may have contributed to his actions.
Chris Whitehouse, Director of Strategy of the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance, said “Creatine is safe to use. The European Food Safety Authority – which has notoriously strict food safety guidelines – advises that, while high loading doses should be avoided, the consumption of the recommended lower doses are unlikely to pose any risk or adverse side effects.”
He continued, “Creatine has a very well-established safety record, and rarely have any athletes reported problems with the substance. It is crucial that people know that creatine is not an anabolic steroid and therefore has no association with what is commonly referred to nowadays as ‘roid rage’, as is implied in this very unfortunate scenario.
“While some negativity may be due to consumers taking well over their recommended dose, we have yet to encounter a creatine user who has ever complained of serious or damaging effects. In short, the Daily Mirror is talking absolute tosh!”
The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance is an alliance of European sports nutrition companies that was formed in December 2003.
Members of the Alliance include Adams Food Ingredients, Aminolabs, Body Temple UK, CLF Distribution, First Milk, Future Nutrition, Iovate Health Sciences, Kinetica, Mass Nutrition Kostexperten, Maxinutrition, myprotein.co.uk, Natrol, NSF, Prometeus, Sci-MX Nutrition, Sports Supplements, Tropicana Health and Fitness Ltd, US Nutrition, USN UK, Volac, Weider Germany, NBTY Europe, BodyBuilding.com, Glanbia Performance Nutrition, PhD Nutrition, CytoSport UK, Future Nutrition, Arla Food Ingredients, Athlete King Sports Nutrition Ltd, BULK POWDERS, Grenade, Vitamin Center and High5.
Associate members of the Alliance include HFMA (The UK Health Food Manufacturers’ Association), Weider Publishing, Fitnessboutique, LGC, Cambridge Commodities and Healthy Inspirations.
Author: Chris Whitehouse
The Whitehouse Consultancy is Europe’s leading public affairs agency for the specialist health product sector. The agency’s clients include Consumers for Health Choice and the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance and a wide range of specialist food product manufacturers and distributors.


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The ocean has plenty of perils but these masters are passionate about passing on its lessons: physical, mental and spiritual.
The world's longest aircraft plans luxurious expeditions
Even though the location is London, visitors are virtually transported to the top of the world’s longest zip line in Ras al Khaimah, UAE.
The fully autonomous car completed the race track of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Concours d'Elégance Suisse: Classic cars from the 20s to the 80s fought for the Best of Show award in Geneva.
We cruise on the River Svir discovering centuries-old Orthodox churches along the way
Living on historic boats in the center of London
150-year-old craft from Madeira
Five trends for this autumn
The summer of Jessica Clements
Leading the way to a cleaner future for food
Ideas and exploration at Venice Architecture Biennale
Here is a new step towards sustainable living.
The so-called SeaBubbles service aims to put an end to traffic jams in major cities.
The race car will ride on the carmaker's all-electric racing championship, the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY later this year.
Rolls-Royce has unveiled its long-awaited SUV, marking several firsts for the super-luxury car company.
The iconic British brand turned 70 years old this week and marked its anniversary with a global broadcast.
Living It reports from the dynamic media launch of the all-new Lamborghini Urus.
It is time to put the whole car at the service of the environment.
They don't make them like this anymore but these old-timers still have loads of admirers.
Jaguar has taken a big step forward for sustainability by revealing their first fully electric vehicle.
A futuristic-looking electric car - that started life as a university project - may disrupt the automobile market.


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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced yesterday it has banned one of the leading American inspectors of organic foods in China over conflict of interest concerns.
The now-banned firm, the Organic Crop Improvement Association (O.C.I.A.) of Nebraska, which had been certified by the USDA to inspect organic farms, was using Chinese government employees to inspect state-owned farms growing products destined to be exported to the U.S. wearing the USDA organic seal.
Several newspapers reported that O.C.I.A. products were used to manufacture products for Whole Foods, the leading organic retailer in the U.S.
To be compliant with USDA organic rules, inspections are supposed to be conducted by independent, third-party firms to avoid conflict of interest. Whole Foods reportedly dropped O.C.I.A. as a certifier last year. The USDA has been trying to revoke O.C.I.A.’s authority since 2007, but the organization appealed the move.
“It is very disappointing that USDA’s ban on the Organic Crop Improvement Association from operating in China is occurring nearly two years after the department attempted to initiate the ban,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) in response to the news yesterday. “This is far too long to wait, especially considering it is absolutely essential that USDA uphold the rigorous standards and integrity of the organic food label.”
“The USDA announcement also is an unfortunate reminder that foods that are labeled ‘organic’ does not necessarily mean they are automatically safe, so USDA must continue to be vigilant,” added DeLauro, a longtime champion for more stringent food safety laws in the House. “Consumers of organic products should have faith in USDA to uphold the production standards associated with the organic label no matter the country of origin.”


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Apple paid no income tax to New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department for the last 10 years, according to an article shared by sit1963nz, prompting calls for the company to “do the right thing” even from some American-based Apple users. From the New Zealand Herald:
Bryan Chaffin of The Mac Observer, an Apple community blog site founded in 1998…wrote that Apple was the largest taxpayer in the United States, but ‘pays next to nothing in most parts of the world… [L]ocal taxes matter. Roads matter. Schools matter. Housing authorities matter. Health care matters. Regulation enforcement matters. All of the things that support civil society matter. Apple’s profits are made possible by that civil society, and the company should contribute its fair share.'”
Apple’s accounts “show apparent income tax payments of $37 million,” according to an earlier article, “but a close reading shows this sum was actually sent abroad to the Australian Tax Office, an arrangement that has been in place since at least 2007. Had Apple reported the same healthy profit margin in New Zealand as it did for its operations globally it would have paid $356 million in taxes over the period.”
“It is absolutely extraordinary that they are able to get away with paying zero tax in this country,” said Green Party co-leader James Shaw. “I really like Apple products — they’re incredibly innovative — but it looks like their tax department is even more innovative than their product designers.”
Read more of this story at Slashdot.


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In a significant policy change, the government has decided to allow large-scale cultivation of cannabis plants, including the selling of flowers (buds), the Times of Malta has learnt.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat had declared in Parliament that “only small-batch cultivation for research purposes” would be allowed. However, in a public announcement, an Australian company setting up shop in Malta, MGC Pharma, declared it had been awarded a 4,000 square metre site by the government to build and operate a cultivation and medical cannabis facility.
“The contract [with Malta Enterprise] provides MGC with an attractive new cultivation site in the EU, completing the board’s strategy to operate a fully-vertically-integrated medical cannabis operation in Europe,” company co-founder and chief executive officer Roby Zomer said.
He said that, apart from cultivating the raw plant, “the contract [with the government] allowed the company to also sell medical cannabis flowers in the region, including Germany.
The Times of Malta sought to find out where the new facility and cultivation fields would be situated but questions sent to Economy Minister Chris Cardona remained unanswered. A spokeswoman would only say two sites were being considered by the government, both in the south. The newspaper is informed that one of the sites lies in the Bulebel area, which Żejtun farmers are resisting.
The spokeswoman rejected the argument that the government changed its policy on cannabis cultivation.
“Minister Cardona had stressed that no cultivation will be permitted merely for cultivation’s sake,” she said.
“The proposed law, as agreed to by both government and Opposition MPs at committee stage, provides that cultivation can be carried out as part of the production process and for scientific research purposes and strictly in a designated industrial area,” she added.
Shadow social policy minister Claudio Grech had said the Opposition was against the cultivation of cannabis plants as it could offer many possibilities of abuse.
When the law was presented in Parliament last February, the Prime Minster said large-scale cultivation was unfeasible and that he expected companies to import pre-processed cannabis oils for further refinement and preparation here, then exporting the product to the European market.
He had later said that only few plants would be allowed to be used, restricted only to research and development.
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HTC to introduce a streaming music service with Beats Audio's Jimmy Iovine
HTC has pretty decent cloud offerings already, and was one of the first Android manufacturers to offer services like backup, remote phone management and finding with the third iteration of HTC back in 2010.
It fully realizes that this is a great competitive advantage and now plans to charge into the cloud music streaming territory, leveraging its $300 million investments in Beats by Dr Dre.
Reports are that Jimmy Iovine himself, who, together with Dre is the founder of Beats Audio, is helping HTC create a unique proposition that will be the default music service on its smartphones and tablets. As per Mr Iovine's interview for the LA Times last year:
our own interview back in December with HTC's James Atkins about the Beats Audio collaboration he answered:In
PhoneArena: Does what you've done with the Sensation XE and XL represent the extent to which you plan to use this partnership, or there are other Beats-powered features in store for future devices that users should be looking forward to?
HTC: As far as the future is concerned you’ll have to watch this space. I don’t want to spoil what we have in store, but rest assured that superb audio experience will remain front and centre for us.
The involvement of Jimmy Iovine is crucial for the success of the new service, as he is one of the most respected figures in the music business, and can help sign up the important labels. HTC is also said to be working on a boombox accessory that can play music streaming from HTC phones over Bluetooth, like the swanky Nokia Play 360.
HTC's new music streaming service is expected to be announced at the MWC expo the end of this month, along with up to five phones and a tablet.


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Money printer goes brrr… but what about inflation?
The word ‘unprecedented’ is cropping up everywhere these days. Perhaps at an unprecedented rate. It’s not hard to see why, of course – the circumstances we find ourselves in today have provoked change at breakneck speed. Consider, for example, the optimistic outlook late last year. Then, markets took comfort from a UK general election outcome that put to bed the threat of unrestrained government spending. Now, it is a welcome relief to see the government paying a good proportion of the country’s wages. But will the unprecedented actions around the world today lead to a potentially insidious threat to wealth: inflation.
The people’s QE
Admittedly, the prospect of inflation in the near-term divides opinion. As things stand, the destruction of demand for consumer goods and services – airlines, retailers and hospitality, to name a few – is deeply deflationary. But there’s a confluence of factors that could drive up inflation in the not-too-distant future.
The first inflationary factor to consider is the staggering amount of new money which has been created as a result of government interventions worldwide. The US, for example, is spending trillions of dollars to support its economy. But how is this being paid for? Such a burden on the taxpayer would be far too great to bear, of course. In reality, this spending is made possible by ‘money printing’ (or quantitative easing to give it its technical term). A significant portion of the US government’s spending has been facilitated by the Federal Reserve this year. This flood of new money deployed into the economy means more money competing for goods and services, in turn pushing up prices. This creeping diminution of purchasing power is, superficially, more palatable than levying additional taxes.
Politics is at play here. Politicians, who universally want to be re-elected, are not prepared to make any tough, unpopular decisions – such as turning off the money printer that has facilitated huge government support. In the UK, with a large proportion of the workforce and electorate having been furloughed, money printing fuelled spending has popular backing. It not only provides welcome relief for those that might otherwise have lost their jobs, but preserves economic capacity and spending power, heading off the threat of deflation. However, such policies can become addictive, and some politicians have proposed bolder forms of stimulus that inject money directly into the consumer’s pocket – often dubbed ‘the people’s QE’.
A shift from China
A second inflationary factor exposed by the pandemic is the fragility of corporate supply chains, particularly those that are reliant on China’s low waged manufacturing base, which may now need to be re-engineered. Rising tensions between China and the US look set to exacerbate this trend. President Trump has publicly blamed China for the pandemic and has encouraged US businesses to reduce their dependence on Chinese suppliers. A large shift in manufacturing from China would require companies to make significant adjustments, inevitably increasing costs which would push prices up.
The after-effects of Covid-19 are the third factor likely to influence pricing going forward. If airlines, for example, are compelled to fly half-empty, that will lead to more expensive tickets. Can bars, restaurants and cinemas make money at current prices if forced to operate at reduced capacity? In these instances, higher prices will weigh on demand, unless wages keep up, which, in essence, is the definition of inflation.
Old patterns reassert themselves
Governments can never openly own up to the fact that they would like to generate a bit of inflation. But from their perspective, it is the least painful way to dilute the burgeoning debt pile. Instead of openly targeting inflation they implement policies that should, ultimately, generate it.
Despite that, price increases have remained modest, even in the face of massive quantitative easing and low interest rates. What’s kept prices in check? One of the principal factors, in the lack of inflation to date, is the availability of cheap goods from China and beyond. Continued loose fiscal and monetary policy, coupled with the manufacturing shift toward higher cost producers, may well tip the balance in favour of the inflation that authorities secretly crave.
Opportunities for investors
The global economy is showing some signs of bottoming and, in the absence of a major flare up, we are probably past the worst of the pandemic. Markets have responded well to this incremental good news – stockmarkets are near all-time highs. However, the recovery in financial markets has been largely confined to a handful of stocks that have been winners from ‘stay at home’ orders. The real-world recovery is still very much underway, and the shares of many companies exposed to that revival are still some way below their previous levels.
Despite the tough near-term outlook for earnings, these value-type stocks are often best positioned for periods of sustained inflation.
If, and when, inflation does resurface, gold should prove to be an excellent inflation hedge. That’s one reason that we have exposure to some of the world’s top gold miners in our portfolio.
It may take some time for the effects of the pandemic to fully mend, but we see many underappreciated contrarian investments that can participate in the next leg of the recovery.
Please remember that past performance may not be repeated and is not a guide for future performance. The value of shares and the income from them can go down as well as up as a result of market and currency fluctuations.
The Scottish Investment Trust PLC has a long-term policy of borrowing money to invest in equities in the expectation that this will improve returns for shareholders. However, should markets fall these borrowings would magnify any losses on these investments. This may mean you get back nothing at all.


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MetLife research has found that advisers think sales of individual protection could grow by an average 18% over the next two years.
However, advisers disagree on how to drive market expansion.
The study found growing optimism among advisers about their ability to increase protection for more customers – 38% say there is a definite opportunity to help more customers over the next two years while 40% say there could be.
However the research identified adviser concerns about potential roadblocks to market expansion, with worries about affordability and the relevance of products to everyday lives seen as the biggest issues.
67% of advisers said clients would be more interested in individual protection policies if they were more affordable and the same number said clients are put off buying protection products because they do not believe they will need them.
Advisers say that 51% of prospective customers are reluctant to buy protection policies because they are concerned about providers’ claims records, while 56% of advisers warn clients do not believe the current range of products is relevant to their everyday lives.
Richard Horner, head of individual protection at MetLife UK, said: “The individual protection market is seeing strong growth and the optimism among advisers about opportunities to grow the market is very welcome.
“There are however significant concerns advisers are hearing from their clients about the relevance of existing products available and issues about affordability and claim payments, which providers need to be address.
“The reality is that there are affordable product options and the risks that they cover are part of everyday lives, while the industry’s record on claims is strong with providers committed to making the claims process straightforward and paying claims in a timely manner.”


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The forces that will clash across America this Thanksgiving are bigger than the open shop doors that have become the symbol of the battle.
An online petition has drawn more than 300,000 signatures pleading with Target not to open its stores on the national holiday. Wal-Mart is battling efforts by workers to use Black Friday to draw attention to its policies -- including opening on Thursday. And columns and editorials have been written condemning Thanksgiving sales.
Against that tide a steady stream of retailers have announced they'll be doing business for at least a few hours on Thanksgiving. Those with locations in the Pittsburgh market range from Target and Wal-Mart to Toys 'R' Us, Gabriel Brothers, Sears, hhgregg, Gander Mountain, Michael's and Kmart. Tanger Outlets in South Strabane will be opening at 10 p.m. Thursday.
Another raft of store and mall openings will come at midnight, steering clear of the turkey dinner, but not by a whole lot.
"From their perspective, they're giving the customers what the customers want," said David N. Laband, chairman of the School of Economics at Georgia Tech.
Last year 24 percent of Black Friday shoppers were in the stores by midnight, according to the National Retail Federation. "That's not a small chunk," pointed out Kathy Grannis, spokeswoman for the Washington, D.C., trade group. "That's definitely an amount of people that retailers can't ignore."
Another retail group, the New York-based International Council of Shopping Centers working with Goldman Sachs, projects 41 million people will be out shopping on Thanksgiving.
The tug and pull over when stores should be doing business has been around for centuries, said Mr. Laband.
And he means centuries.
In the year 321, the Emperor Constantine approved an edict that said, "Let all judges and all city people and all tradesmen rest upon the venerable day of the sun," according to a 1987 book on the history of blue laws that Mr. Laband co-authored.
"Really the issue was just a day of rest," said Mr. Laband in an interview this week.
In the U.S., laws passed by state and local governments often have restricted what could be sold on Sunday, at least until the last few decades. The so-called blue laws apparently were named for the color of paper they once were printed on.
While there were often religious influences in choosing when to restrict sales -- something that might not have helped faiths that held services on, say, Friday or Saturday -- one of the goals was to protect small business proprietors, said Mr. Laband. Unlike a big retail emporium or chain, small business operators often don't have big staffs to split up the schedule so everyone gets some free time.
"If they had to compete seven days a week with everybody else, then that means they never get a day off, In a pure free market economy, that is what happens."
Mr. Laband, who isn't inclined to pick sides in the battle over retail hours, noted that over the past several decades many laws have been changed and now people shop on Sundays with barely any memory of the days when that was illegal.
He said it is likely that the large-scale entry of women into the workplace since the 1970s helped to change the laws. "It's a big demographic trend that had consequences," he said. Until then, most households had someone available to shop during the work week. Now, many families have to fit in the grocery shopping and other chores around the various jobs that help pay for those goods.
"The shoppers have made it very clear they want to shop on Sundays," he said.
He said economic downturns also have caused local and state governments, which are in need of revenue, to take a second look at blue laws.
Still, the question remains: Do Americans need to shop on Thanksgiving?
Mr. Laband likes to pose this question at such debates: "Why is it that we really have to use the strong arm of the power of government to enforce behavior?"
Clearly, some segment of the population wants to shop on Thanksgiving. And bricks-and-mortar stores are now competing with online retail options that are open 24 hours a day.
"There's this sort of relentless market pressure telling everybody that people want to be able to shop on Sunday or at midnight," Mr. Laband noted.
Just as economic downturns can erode governments' commitments to restrictions on store hours, the Great Recession also may have helped erode the industry's hesitation about store openings on Thanksgiving -- although it's not hard to find some stores that have been open that day for years.
"This started as a beta test for many retailers, as a direct result of the economy," said Ms. Grannis. "When this started in 2009, it was really just a way for companies to get their brand out there and do something different."
Not all retailers believe their customers want those kind of hours, she said. Stores such as J.C. Penney and Nordstrom present their decisions to open Black Friday morning as a more sane alternative.
Generally, Ms. Grannis said, those kinds of decisions also make business sense.
"That's because the retailer knows what their shopper wants," she said.mobilehome - homepage - region - businessnews - holidays
Teresa F. Lindeman: email@example.com or 412-263-2018.


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Apple’s TV spot, called “Watch Re-Imagined,” has run more than 300 times since its debut on March 9, and 138 of those airings were during more expensive prime-time hours, according to data from iSpot.
The one-minute commercial highlights the new smartwatch’s sleek design and features such as fitness tracking and checking the weather. The video has amassed more than 1.3 million views on YouTube so far.
The commercial has aired the most on AMC, CBS (which showed some of the NCAA tournament games) and the History Channel. And iSpot estimates that Apple has spent the most to air spots specifically during the basketball tournament, “The Walking Dead” and NBC’s “The Voice.”
This is the only TV commercial that Apple has released focused on the smartwatch before it goes on sale April 24, but there are additional videos online from the company that showcase the materials that went into the gadget as well as guides to show consumers how to make the most out of the watch.


text: The Daily Show's Guide to Shopping While Black Is PricelessMadeleine Davies11/22/13 7:45pmFiled to: racial profilingthe daily showjessica williamsracism14929EditPromoteShare to KinjaToggle Conversation toolsGo to permalinkIt's been a big month in racial profiling news. Trayon Christian, a 19-year-old African American man, was arrested after purchasing an expensive belt with his own debit card at Barneys. Shortly thereafter, a young black woman who also dared to shop at Barneys was stopped by police after purchasing a purse. Next, Macy's — not wanting to be left out of all the racial profiling fun — ended up cuffing and detaining Treme actor Rob Brown over suspicions that he had used a fake credit card to buy a watch. Way to go, department stores. You're really killing it at being horrible these days.


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China will continue its scrutiny of the internet sector, rooting out practices including the blocking of site links by rival platforms and ensuring smaller players have room to develop, its industry minister has said.
Chinese prosecutors have dropped a case against a former Alibaba employee accused of sexually assaulting a female colleague, saying they had determined he had committed forcible indecency but not a crime.
China's Alibaba Group will invest 100 billion yuan ($15.5 billion) by 2025 in support of "common prosperity", it said, becoming the latest corporate giant to pledge support for the initiative driven by President Xi Ji...
China's regulatory crackdown is being waged to build a prosperous market economy and criticism from the United States and the West that it is taking "a backward step" are smears, the Global Times said on Tuesday.
British fashion tech company Ordre, an online showroom platform serving department stores, multibrand retailers and luxury pure players, has announced a successful funding round to finance its expansion.


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Microsoft is expanding its FastTrack service to help partners more rapidly onboard and support Windows 10, Dynamics 365 and Office 365 customers, the company confirmed today.
FastTrack "provides customers and their partners with the essential tools, resources, and guidance needed to help them move to Microsoft technologies like Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility+Security," according to Niamh Coleman, director of partner business strategy at Microsoft. "It simplifies deployment, provides greater opportunities for customer success, and helps generate new business opportunities for partners through value added services."
With those priorities in mind, Microsoft today announced FastTrack for Windows 10 and FastTrack for Dynamics 365. Also, an expanded FastTrack for Office 365 now includes Microsoft Teams support, Office 365 ProPlus best practices, ISO and HIPPA certifications, and more, the company indicated.
Microsoft Office 365, Cloud Partner Momentum
The FastTrack enhancements emerge amid Microsoft's continued cloud momentum. For instance, Office 365 remains the most popular SaaS suite for business, according to a recent Okta report. And Microsoft Azure continues to win its share of business vs. Amazon Web Services, though AWS is still widely considered the IaaS market share leader. Next up, Microsoft hopes to accelerate Dynamics 365's wins against Salesforce.
It's a safe bet Microsoft describe its current cloud momentum during the company's next earnings call on Thursday, January 26, 2017. Over the past year, Microsoft's board has allegedly studied a range of cloud sales strategies. Moreover, Microsoft is carefully monitoring and describing how its cloud profit margins will grow over time -- though there could be turbulence from time to time when the company accelerates infrastructure build-outs.
Still, Microsoft has focused heavily on its cloud partner programs over the past year -- aggressively promoting CSP opportunities to VARs and MSPs.


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The Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) has sounded an alarm regarding the price of raw materials used to manufacture key COVID-19 drugs
HLL Lifecare Limited has ordered 4,50,000 vials of Remdesivir from Gilead Sciences USA and Egyptian Pharma Company, Eva Pharma
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has urged the industry to wait and watch for the next few days to assess the situation amid the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic
PSU Watch is a business news brand of 27 Frames Communications LLP. It places the spotlight on PSUs, Governance, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy as the sector traverses through a period of radical change.